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Friday, May 6, 2016

My experience with marketing

When I was getting ready to publish my first book I had no idea what my marketing strategy was. All I knew was that I didn’t want to be one of those annoying people that kept talking about their book all the time and to anyone that would listen.

So when it came to publishing my book I aimed for a soft release of sorts. Meaning, I wasn’t going to make a big noise about it. Most of my fellow bloggers helped me spread the word and allowed me to guest post on their blogs. I tweeted about it a few times and mentioned it on Facebook. At first it was tempting to talk about my book non-stop. But soon I was annoying even myself. So I stopped.

However, when I was doing research about marketing, I kept reading about marketing must haves like:

·You must have a platform, preferably a blog (check)

·Take part in as many forms of social media as possible (check)

·Talk about your book (check)

·Have a reasonably priced book (check)

·Good book cover (check)

·Good editing (check)

·Another book (nope)

And then you will have great success.

First of all, I’m a realist. I didn’t expect my book to suddenly be read by the masses. I knew for a fact that my book would upset more people than garner interest. I didn’t expect to sell a lot of books because I didn’t use any paid marketing options. I didn’t have the money to. My friends and I did all the marketing.

I didn’t go big on the marketing because I knew that I didn’t have another piece of work to offer potential readers. All I wanted to do was let the world know that my book was out and available for enjoyment. I wasn’t harassing anyone to buy my book. When I have more books out I might get more aggressive with the marketing.

What I learned is that you can follow all the marketing strategies out there and follow everything to a T, but it doesn’t guarantee you success. You have to do what feels good to you. Every book is different. Also, every writer is different too. What might work for all your friends might not work for you.

I wish I didn’t sign up to most of the social media options. That I had stuck to one or two I liked best. I even started a newsletter to let potential readers know about my new releases.

I don’t mind growing my audience over time. I like the idea of starting out slow. After all, being a writer is about doing it in the long run. I might not release a book every six months, but I will release more books in the future. Please, don’t let others set the rules for you. Set your own and stick to them. You answer to yourself. Do what works for you.

30 comments
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I think you're so right. If you don't do what feels right to you, then you've lost all the enjoyment that comes with your writing. After a while of doing that I'd think you wouldn't want to write anymore and that would be sad. I'm glad you set your own rules.

Like they say, it's a marathon not a sprint. And I think the marketing and the strategy can/will vary, depending on the book, how long the author's been at it, new marketing platforms, etc. Do what you think is going to work best for you and your book, your career.

I think the fact that you wrote and published a book is very impressive; a lot of people (including me) don't even get that far. It takes time. I heard an interview from a guy who was a published author but kept his day job as a lawyer, because he was still trying to get his name out there. It just takes time, like you said.

I knew for a fact that my book would upset more people than garner interest. --> What??? I genuinely liked your book, and I don't normally go for that genre. But I agree fellow bloggers/writers are a huge help in marketing each other.

Hi Murees - it's good to work things out, and keep an eye on other bloggers to pick up tips and ides ... then as you've achieved one, the next will be easier to see what needs to be done ... well done - cheers Hilary

So true, Murees. We're all different. Since social media keeps growing so fast, I've been hearing lately to choose two. I've done that, and it's so much better for me. The more books you have, the more precious time becomes.

I think you've hit the nail on the head when you said, 'don't let others set the rules for you'. It's good to know marketing strategies are out there and to read about people's successes in that area but after all one needs to remain true to oneself and approach marketing sensibly and in a way that can be managed. I enjoyed reading your reflections Murees and wish you success!

Seconded! We have so many options available to us these days that we really do have to pick and choose. It's not like back in the day when your publisher just put a book in the store and sent you on tour. That was simple. Sometimes I miss simple.

Thank you, Beverly. Me too. I learned the hard way that one has to choose what you're comfortable with and do the best job you can with that. Marketing is a tricky monkey. You definitely have to take a strategy that you don't mind partaking in, or else it might make you want to tear out your hair, as it did with me:)